Introduction:
At 80, Rod Stewart Finally Breaks His Silence on Ronnie Wood
At 80 years old, Rod Stewart is looking back on the wild, brilliant, chaotic history he shares with fellow Faces guitarist Ronnie Wood — and for the first time, he’s speaking with remarkable honesty about the bond that shaped some of British rock’s most unforgettable moments.
Stewart’s journey began far from the glamour of global fame. Born Roderick David Stewart in post-war Highgate, London, he rose from modest beginnings to become one of the most distinctive voices in music. After early breakthroughs with the Jeff Beck Group, his charisma exploded during his years with The Faces, where he and Ronnie Wood forged a partnership defined by unmatched creative chemistry — and equally unmatched mischief.
“Ronnie’s always been like a cheeky little brother to me,” Stewart reflects. “He’d walk into a room with that grin, guitar in hand, ready to start trouble. And you always knew you were about to have a great time… or a very expensive one.” Behind the humor lies genuine affection. Stewart credits Wood’s instinctive musicianship with helping shape his own artistic growth. “He kept me honest,” he says. “Ronnie could cut through the noise and get right to the heart of a song.”
But Stewart also acknowledges the harder years — the periods when Wood’s lifestyle spiraled into dangerous territory. “There were times I didn’t know if he’d make it to the next show,” he admits. “It was bloody hard to watch someone you care about living on a razor’s edge.” Even so, loyalty remained the thread binding them together. No matter how long they went without speaking, Stewart says the moment they reunited, everything clicked back into place.
When Wood joined the Rolling Stones, many speculated about tension or rivalry. Stewart addresses it with disarming candor. “Was I jealous? Of course. Who wouldn’t be? But I was proud too. Ronnie belonged on that stage — he earned it.” Their careers diverged, but their friendship deepened, evolving into something far more resilient than fame or competition.
Now, as both men enter the later chapters of their lives, Stewart sees their bond with newfound clarity. “We survived things most people can’t imagine. That creates a connection you can’t break.” He laughs, adding, “Now we’re just two old geysers talking rubbish and cracking each other up. Some things never change.”
In the end, Stewart describes Wood not merely as a bandmate, but as family — a brother shaped by decades of music, madness, forgiveness, and enduring affection. “Ronnie’s family,” he says. “Always has been. Always will be.”